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Saturday, August 29 Russia's war against Ukraine Smoke rises over Kyiv early on Aug. 29, 2026 following a Russian attack on Ukraine’s capital and Kyiv Oblast overnight. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images) 'Criminal negligence' — PM Koretskyi demands accountability after Russian attack injures 6, sparks fires and detonations near Kyiv. "On the fifth year of the full-scale invasion, making the same mistakes is criminal negligence," Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said. "And all those responsible, without exception, must face severe punishment so that such situations do not happen again." Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Ozon warehouse, sites across Rostov Oblast in mass attack on southern Russia. Ukrainian forces struck a warehouse belonging to Russian e-commerce giant Ozon overnight on Aug. 29, the company announced, as sites across southern Russia's Rostov Oblast were reportedly targeted. Zelensky calls for Ukraine to launch 1,000 drones at Russia daily. "The task is a thousand drones for long-range strikes against Russia every day. Right now, the average is over 300 of our long-range strikes, there must be more," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Ukraine must mobilize at least 30,000 people per month, Budanov says, warns war won't end soon. The comments come as Ukraine's leadership is under increasing pressure from both the military and society to tackle issues in the country's flawed and unpopular mobilization process. Media identify Russian officer killed in St. Petersburg car blast. The victim is reportedly Sergei Sechkov, an officer at Russia’s 332nd Separate Helicopter Regiment. Russia considers placing troops, weapons on civilian ships as it struggles to protect shadow fleet, Zelensky says. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) has concluded that Russian warships are effectively confined to the port of Novorossiysk on the southeastern Black Sea due to Ukrainian drone strikes, Volodymyr Zelensky said. Russia has destroyed 90% of Ukraine's modern storage facilities, minister says. Agricultural Minister Taras Vysotskyi said attacks on logistics infrastructure could affect the range of goods available in stores, but assured that there is no risk of Ukrainians running out of food. Russian attack destroys one of Ukraine's largest vodka plants. The Khortytsia Distillery, launched in 2003 by Global Spirits, a Ukrainian firm headquartered in the U.S., was hit four times, sparking a three-hour-long fire, the company’s press service said. Read our exclusives Ukraine war latest: Ukraine must mobilize at least 30,000 people monthly, Budanov says Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov has warned that Ukraine cannot afford to mobilize less than 30,000 people per month, as ending the war in the short term is "unrealistic." Photo: Hennadii Minchenko / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images Read more Ivan Mazepa — Ukraine's hero, Russia's devil Mazepa, who led the Hetmanate at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, earned himself a place on Ukraine's currency — and soon, on one of Kyiv's central avenues, where his monument is set to replace the toppled statue of Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin. Photo: Mari Kinovych/The Kyiv Independent Read more A bridge, missiles, and billions in revenue: North Korea's role in Russia's war deepens again No longer a minor player, Pyongyang has become an essential cog in Russia's war machine. Now, Kyiv warns that its role may grow further still — but not overnight. Photo: Gavriil Grigorov / POOL / AFP via Getty Images Read more Human cost of war Warehouses targeted outside Kyiv in all-day drone attack as Russian forces kill at least 10, injure 43 over past day across Ukraine. Russia launched 164 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine, half of them jet-powered, overnight on Aug. 28, according to the Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 137 drones, while strikes were recorded at 16 locations and drone debris fell at four others. General Staff: Russia has lost 1,483,780 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022. The figure includes 1,630 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day. You've made it this far, which means you care. By supporting independent journalism, you turn that care into action. Our journalism is free and accessible to everyone. Help us keep it that way — become a member today. BECOME A MEMBER MAKE A DONATION Can Ukraine defend itself without more Patriot missiles? International response Zelensky says US briefed Ukraine on Moscow talks. "I am grateful for the information and for the necessary tone of the conversation with Russia," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Opinions and insights Shells, stalled contracts, and no armor for wounded — Ukraine's new defense minister's problem list Weapons production in Ukraine has a mountain of problems: short contracts, scandals over ammunition and other complex equipment procurement, inefficient drone purchasing, leaky quality control and oversight of manufacturers' capabilities, export rules that don't work, funding shortages, and more. Photo: Roman Pilipey / AFP / Getty Images Read more In other news More than 113,000 Russians cross into Georgia in a week as fears grow of new mobilization, Politico reports. Earlier, Ukraine's Presidential Office issued a warning, saying that Russia plans to mobilize 600,000 recruits over 2026 and 2027, with 300,000 to be called up this year and another 300,000 next year. Ukrainian ex-Minister Fedorov becomes adviser to Italian official, plans to visit US. Fedorov said that, in this role, he "would help Italy develop modern warfare technologies, strengthen its defense sector, and adapt to emerging global security challenges." Ukraine anti-corruption agencies charge businessman in raiding case amid major corruption scandal. According to NABU and SAPO, the organization was involved in the alleged takeover of two companies with combined assets worth Hr 248 million (around $5.6 million). Ukraine prepares to ease residency rules for foreign fighters. Under a newly prepared draft law, time spent in the Ukrainian Armed Forces would count toward the five-year residency requirement for foreigners. Outspoken ex-commander who clashed with military leadership says drugs were planted in his car. Oleksandr Shyrshyn, a former battalion commander in Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said on Facebook on Aug. 28 that cannabis had been planted in his car in an apparent attempt to implicate him in the illegal production and possession of drugs. Petition urging Zelensky to talk to independent media registered on 6th attempt, gains 7,000 signatures in a day. An online petition requesting that the president hold a press conference with independent media was registered on the sixth try on Aug. 27. Meet the collection inspired by Kyiv's embroidery Two collaborations, one enduring Ukrainian tradition. Created so you can carry a piece of Kyiv with you, wherever you go. Explore the collection This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand's visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details. Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Oleg Sukhov, Kateryna Hodunova, Tania Myronyshena, Martin Fornusek, Francis Farrell, Jonas Heins, Dominika Ozynska, Chris York, Yevgeniya Doluda, Dominic Culverwell, Kateryna Denisova, Anna Fratsyvir, and Volodymyr Ivanyshyn. If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today. 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